Affirming Long-Term Outcomes After Contemporary Urethroplasty: The Adverse Impact of Increasing Stricture Length, Lichen Sclerosus, Radiation, and Infectious Strictures.

PURPOSE: There is a paucity of reported long-term outcomes after contemporary urethroplasty. Our objective is to determine the long-term success of modern urethroplasty and identify factors associated with stricture recurrence in this context. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Patients undergoing urethroplasty from July 2003 to May 2013 with at least 100 months of follow-up were identified. Long-term outcomes including stricture recurrence and patient satisfaction were evaluated by review of regional/provincial electronic records and telephone interview. Urethroplasty failure was defined as a recurrent stricture (<16F) confirmed on cystoscopy. Cox regression was used to evaluate variables associated with long-term stricture recurrence. RESULTS: A total of 733 patients were identified with ≥ 100 months follow-up. Median patient age was 45 years, stricture length was 4.7 cm, and 85.8% failed prior endoscopic treatment. At a median follow-up of 12.3 years, 89 recurrences were observed. Cumulative incidence of stricture recurrence was 6%, 10%, and 12% after 1, 5, and 10 years, respectively. From a patient-reported perspective, 89% of patients reported being satisfied with the outcome of surgery. On multivariable analyses, increasing stricture length (HR 1.1, 95% CI 1.05-1.15; P < .001) and stricture etiology (P < .001), in particular lichen sclerosus (HR 4.46, 95% CI 2.25-9.53), radiation (HR 4.25, 95% CI 1.65-10.9), and infectious strictures (HR 5.27, 95% CI 2.03-13.7), were independently associated with stricture recurrence. CONCLUSIONS: This study affirms the widely held belief that modern urethroplasty provides high long-term patency and patient-reported satisfaction. Patients with longer strictures as well as those with lichen sclerosus, radiation, and infectious etiologies have a higher hazard of stricture recurrence in the long term.

Reconstruction of large scalp defect in a brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans): A case report.

This case report describes different repair techniques used to reconstruct a large scalp defect in a brown howler monkey (Alouatta guariba clamitans) hit by a vehicle. Three reconstructive procedures were performed in two surgical stages. The repair techniques had successful outcomes on the patient's rehabilitation.

Reconstructive surgery for women with female genital mutilation: A scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Female genital mutilation (FGM) is a global public health concern. However, reconstructive surgery remains unavailable in many countries. OBJECTIVES: This scoping review, guided by Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) principles, explores indications, referral routes, eligibility, care pathways and clinical outcomes of reconstructive surgery for FGM. SEARCH STRATEGY: Medical Subject Headings (MeSH) terms and subject headings were searched in EMBASE, MEDLINE, SCOPUS, Web of Science and publicly available trial registers. SELECTION CRITERIA: Any primary experimental and quasi-experimental study addressing reconstructive surgery for FGM, and its impact on women, published before June 2023. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: After removing duplicates from the search results, titles and abstracts were screened and data were extracted. Disagreements were resolved through panel discussion. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) flow diagram depicts the search results and inclusion process. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 40 studies were included. Multidisciplinary teams were involved in 40% (16/40) of the studies, and psychosexual counselling was offered in 37.5% (15/40) of studies. Clitoral reconstruction using Foldes' technique was predominant (95%, 38/40). A total of 7274 women underwent some form of reconstruction. Post-surgery improvement was reported in 94% of the cases (6858/7274). The complication rate was 3% (207/7722 women with reconstruction). CONCLUSIONS: Further research and clinical trials are needed. Although the outcomes suggest improved sexual function and quality of life post-surgery, the evidence remains limited. Advocating surgical reconstruction for survivors of FGM is vital for addressing health disparities and potential cost-effectiveness.

Role of lateral suspension for the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse: a Delphi survey of expert panel.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Lateral suspension is an abdominal prosthetic surgical procedure used to correct apical prolapse. The procedure involves the placement of a T-shaped mesh on the anterior vaginal wall and on the isthmus or uterine cervix that is suspended laterally and posteriorly to the abdominal wall. Since its description in the late 90s, modifications of the technique have been described. So far, no consensus on the correct indications, safety, advantages, and disadvantages of this emerging procedure has been reached. METHODS: A modified Delphi process was used to build consensus within a group of 21 international surgeons who are experts in the performance of laparoscopic lateral suspension (LLS). The process was held with a first online round, where the experts expressed their level of agreement on 64 statements on indications, technical features, and other aspects of LLS. A subsequent re-discussion of statements where a threshold of agreement was not reached was held in presence. RESULTS: The Delphi process allowed the identification of several aspects of LLS that represented areas of agreement by the experts. The experts agreed that LLS is a safe and effective technique to correct apical and anterior prolapse. The experts highlighted several key technical aspects of the procedure, including clinical indications and surgical steps. CONCLUSIONS: This Delphi consensus provides valuable guidance and criteria for the use of LLS in the treatment of pelvic organ prolapse, based on expert opinion by large volume surgeons' experts in the performance of this innovative procedure.

Vaginal Hysterectomy and Pelvic Organ Prolapse: History and Recent Developments.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: Vaginal hysterectomy (VH) was described as far back as 120 CE. However, it was not till the mid-1900s when reconstructive procedures were introduced to mitigate the risk of, or treat, pelvic organ prolapse in relation to VH. Furthermore, routine hysterectomy, particularly VH, has long been advocated in prolapse surgery. However, this indication is now questionable. METHODS: Literature review to provide an overview of current evidence and experts' opinion regarding the relationship between VH and pelvic organ prolapse. The review presents a historical perspective on the role of VH in the management of pelvic organ prolapse, the current debate on the usefulness of the procedure in this context, a practical guide on operative techniques used during VH and the impact of recent surgical developments on its use. RESULTS: Vaginal hysterectomy is a well-established technique that is still superior to laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign gynecological disease, although more surgically challenging. However, it is possible that some contemporary techniques, such as vaginal natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery, may overcome some of these challenges, and hence increase the number of hysterectomies performed via the vaginal route. Although patients should be counselled about uterine-sparing reconstructive surgery, vaginal hysterectomy continues to be a major surgical procedure in reconstructive pelvic floor surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, it is prudent to continue to train residents in vaginal surgical skills to ensure that they continue to provide safe, cost-effective, and comprehensive patient care.

Validation of the Russian Version of the Prolapse Quality-of-life Questionnaire and its Application to Assess the Impact of Pelvic Organ Prolapse on Quality of Life and the Effect of Treatment in Women Undergoing Reconstructive Surgery.

INTRODUCTION AND HYPOTHESIS: The objective was to validate the translated Russian version of the prolapse quality-of-life (P-QoL) questionnaire and test its applicability to assess the impact of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) on QoL and the effect of treatment in women undergoing reconstructive surgery. METHODS: Following a forward- and back-translation of the original English P-QOL questionnaire into Russian, the translated questionnaire was reviewed by a group of patients as well as an expert panel. Women with POP who were admitted to a university hospital for reconstructive surgery were recruited. All the women completed the P-QoL questionnaire, Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory (PFDI-20) and 36-Item Short Form Survey (SF-36) questionnaires before surgery. Clinical data and POP Quantification (POP-Q) Index according to the International Continence Society were obtained. Psychometric properties of the questionnaire were assessed. RESULTS: A total of 303 women with POP were included in the study. Most patients presented with POP-Q >2. The P-QoL questionnaire demonstrated good psychometric properties. High internal consistency was shown in all domains (Cronbach's alpha coefficient from 0.65 to 0.92). The test-retest reliability confirmed a highly significant stability between the total scores for each domain. Significant correlations of the P-QoL domains with the PFDI-20 and SF-36 scales (p < 0.05) were obtained, demonstrating satisfactory convergent validity. Discriminative construct validity was proved by the differences in the mean scores for P-QoL domains across POP-Q stages (p < 0.05): general health perceptions, role limitations, physical limitations, social limitations and severity measures were significantly higher for POP-Q stages 3 and 4 than for POP-Q stage 2 (p < 0.01); general health perceptions and severity measures were higher for POP-Q stage 4 than for POP-Q stage 3 (p < 0.05); sleep/energy was higher for POP-Q stage 3 than for POP-Q stage 2 (p < 0.05). Significant improvement of QoL in the 2 months after surgery (p < 0.05) indicated that the P-QoL questionnaire is sensitive to change. CONCLUSIONS: The Russian version of the P-QoL questionnaire is characterized by appropriate psychometric properties. The P-QoL questionnaire is a useful tool for describing the QoL profile in women with POP before reconstructive surgery and evaluating treatment outcomes after the procedure.

Voiding Dysfunction in Patients With Advanced Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Bladder Outlet Obstruction Following Pelvic Reconstructive Surgery: Urodynamic Profile and Predictive Risk Factors.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To determine the outcome of voiding function 1 year after pelvic reconstructive surgery (PRS) in women with bladder outlet obstruction (BOO). DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Tertiary referral hospital. PATIENTS: A total of 1894 women underwent PRS for advanced pelvic organ prolapse (POP) stages 3 to 4 with urodynamic findings of BOO. INTERVENTIONS: PRS. MEASUREMENTS: The primary outcome measured was the resumption of normal voiding function, defined clinically with multichannel urodynamic testing at 1 year postoperatively. The secondary outcomes were to identify the different risk factors for persistence voiding dysfunction (VD) 1 year after PRS. MAIN RESULTS: A total of 431 women with Pelvic Organ Prolapse Quantification stages 3 and 4, urodynamic study of maximum urinary flow rate ≤15 mL/s, and detrusor pressure at maximum flow ≥20 cm H2O were included. Resumption of normal voiding function was found in 91% (n = 392 of 431), whereas 9% (n = 39 of 431) remained to have VD 1 year postoperatively. Those with persistent VD, 20.5% (n = 8 of 39) remained having urodynamic diagnosis of BOO. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression revealed factors associated with postoperative VD were pre-operative maximal cystometric capacity ≥500 mL and postvoid residual volume ≥200 mL. CONCLUSION: VD may persist in women with BOO after PRS, particularly in those with preoperative maximal cystometric capacity of >500 mL and postvoid residual volume >200 mL.

Identifying opportunities for prevention of adverse outcomes following female genital fistula repair: protocol for a mixed-methods study in Uganda.

BACKGROUND: Female genital fistula is a traumatic debilitating injury, frequently caused by prolonged obstructed labor, affecting between 500,000-2 million women in lower-resource settings. Vesicovaginal fistula causes urinary incontinence, and other morbidity may occur during fistula development. Women with fistula are stigmatized, limit social and economic engagement, and experience psychiatric morbidity. Improved surgical access has reduced fistula consequences yet post-repair risks impacting quality of life and well-being include fistula repair breakdown or recurrence and ongoing or changing urine leakage or incontinence. Limited evidence on risk factors contributing to adverse outcomes hinders interventions to mitigate adverse events. This study aims to quantify these adverse risks and inform clinical and counseling interventions to optimize women's health and quality of life following fistula repair through: identifying predictors and characteristics of post-repair fistula breakdown and recurrence (Objective 1) and post-repair incontinence (Objective 2), and to identify feasible and acceptable intervention strategies (Objective 3). METHODS: This mixed-methods study incorporates a prospective cohort of women with successful vesicovaginal fistula repair at approximately 12 fistula repair centers in Uganda (Objectives 1-2) followed by qualitative inquiry among key stakeholders (Objective 3). Cohort participants will have a baseline visit at the time of surgery followed by data collection at 2 weeks, 6 weeks, 3 months and quarterly thereafter for 3 years. Primary predictors to be evaluated include patient-related factors, fistula-related factors, fistula repair-related factors, and post-repair behaviors and exposures, collected via structured questionnaire at all data collection points. Clinical exams will be conducted at baseline, 2 weeks post-surgery, and for outcome confirmation at symptom development. Primary outcomes are fistula repair breakdown or fistula recurrence and post-repair incontinence. In-depth interviews will be conducted with cohort participants (n ~ 40) and other key stakeholders (~ 40 including family, peers, community members and clinical/social service providers) to inform feasibility and acceptability of recommendations. DISCUSSION: Participant recruitment is underway. This study is expected to identify key predictors that can directly improve fistula repair and post-repair programs and women's outcomes, optimizing health and quality of life. Furthermore, our study will create a comprehensive longitudinal dataset capable of supporting broad inquiry into post-fistula repair health. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05437939.

Female genital fistula is a traumatic birth injury which occurs where access to emergency childbirth care is poor. It causes uncontrollable urine leakage and is associated with other physical and psychological symptoms. Due to the urine leakage and its odor, women with fistula are stigmatized which has mental health and economic consequences. Ensuring women's access to fistula surgery and ongoing wellbeing is important for limiting the impact of fistula. After fistula surgery, health risks such as fistula repair breakdown or recurrence or changes to urine leakage can happen, but studies during this time are limited. Our study seeks to measure these health risks and factors influencing these risks quantitatively, and work with patients, community members, and fistula care providers to come up with solutions. We will recruit up to 1000 participants into our study at the time of fistula surgery and follow them for three years. We will collect data on patient sociodemographic characteristics, clinical history, and behavior after fistula repair through patient survey and medical record review. If participants have changes in urine leakage, they will be asked to return to the fistula repair hospital for exam. We will interview about 80 individuals to obtain their ideas for feasible and acceptable intervention options. We expect that this study will help to understand risk factors for poor health following fistula repair and, eventually, improve women's health and quality of life after fistula.

The "V-I penoscrotal reconfiguration": A simple technique for the surgical treatment of congenital webbed penis.

OBJECTIVES: To describe a new penoscrotal reconfiguration technique, named "V-I penoscrotal reconfiguration" for the surgical reconstruction of a congenital webbed penis (CWP). METHODS: Twenty-one patients who underwent the "V-I penoscrotal reconfiguration technique" were included in this retrospective study. The CWP severity was assessed according to El-Koutby's classification. Demographic and clinical data, surgical data, and postoperative outcomes were scheduled and analyzed. Specifically, the postoperative follow-up included both physical and psychological assessments at 2 weeks, 1, 6, and 12 months after surgery. Parents' satisfaction degree was quantified by the Likert scale. RESULTS: CWP was grade 3 in 11 (52%) patients, 2 in five (24%), and 1 (24%) in five. Five (24%) CWP were isolated malformations, 11 (52%) were associated with phimosis, three (14%) with hypospadias, and two (10%) with hypospadias and phimosis. There were no postoperative complications and no cases of redo surgery. The cosmetic outcomes were excellent in all cases: the parents' satisfaction score was 4 in 17 (81%) cases and 3 (9%) in the other four cases. CONCLUSIONS: CWP may cause psychological distress and functional problems, especially during sexual intercourse. Its correction in childhood is advocated to prevent psychological and sexual issues. The "V-I reconfiguration technique" is simple, and easy with excellent cosmetic and functional outcomes.

SCIP flap in head and neck reconstruction after oncologic ablative surgery: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND: In the surgical treatment of head and neck locally advanced malignancies, microvascular free flaps represent the most valuable solution to reconstruct the tissue defect after resection of the primary neoplasm. In particular, microvascular free flaps allow to restore the functional and aesthetical features of the head and neck compartments. The superficial circumflex iliac perforator (SCIP) flap represents, as an evolution of the groin flap, a valid alternative to the radial fasciocutaneous free (RFFF) flap or the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. METHODS: This systematic review adhered to the recommendations of the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis (PRISMA) 2009 guidelines. A computerized MEDLINE search was performed using the PubMed service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine ( www.pubmed.org ) and Scopus database ( www.scopus.com ). Two authors screened the articles, then selected and extracted data on malignancies characteristics, reconstructive techniques, outcomes, and complications. RESULTS: A total of 25 articles were selected and reviewed among the 39 identified through the search string. Six out of the selected 25 articles were case reports, while the remaining 19 articles were retrospective case series. The whole study population was represented by 174 oncologic patients undergoing ablation of a head and neck tumor and reconstruction with a SCIP flap. The site of reconstruction was the oral cavity in 125 (71.0%) patients, being the tongue the most common subsite in 73 (41.5%) patients, the pharynx in 10 (5.7%) cases, the larynx in 3 (1.7%) and head and neck skin in 36 (20.4%) patients. Only two cases of total flap loss were reported. Partial flap loss or shrinkage requiring minor surgical revisions was observed in 11 patients (6.32%). Primary closure of the donor site was achieved in the whole study population, according to the available data. CONCLUSIONS: In head and neck postoncological reconstruction, despite the caliber and the length of the pedicle, SCIP flap offers a pliable and thin skin paddle, allowing single-stage resurfacing, medium to large skin paddle, possibility of composite-fashion harvest and a well-concealed donor site.

The use of artificial intelligence in reconstructive surgery for head and neck cancer: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: The popularity of artificial intelligence (AI) in head and neck cancer (HNC) management is increasing, but postoperative complications remain prevalent and are the main factor that impact prognosis after surgery. Hence, recent studies aim to assess new AI models to evaluate their ability to predict free flap complications more effectively than traditional algorithms. This systematic review aims to summarize current evidence on the utilization of AI models to predict complications following reconstructive surgery for HNC. METHODS: A combination of MeSH terms and keywords was used to cover the following three subjects: "HNC," "artificial intelligence," and "free flap or reconstructive surgery." The electronic literature search was performed in three relevant databases: Medline (Ovid), Embase (Ovid), and Cochrane. Quality appraisal of the included study was conducted using the TRIPOD Statement. RESULTS: The review included a total of 5 manuscripts (n = 5) for a total of 7524 patients. Across studies, the highest area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) value achieved was 0.824 by the Auto-WEKA model. However, only 20% of reported AUROCs exceeded 0.70. One study concluded that most AI models were comparable or inferior in performance to conventional logistic regression. The highest predictors of complications were flap type, smoking status, tumour location, and age. DISCUSSION: Some models showed promising results. Predictors identified across studies were different than those found in existing literature, showing the added value of AI models. However, the algorithms showed inconsistent results, underlying the need for better-powered studies with larger databases before clinical implementation.

Clinical applications and cadaveric study of the free descending genicular artery perforator flap without the saphenous vein.

BACKGROUND: The descending genicular artery (DGA) and medial thigh region have been underused as donor sites for perforator flaps. This study evaluated the anatomical relationship between the perforators of the DGA and the saphenous vein (SV) to review the clinical applications of the free descending genicular artery perforator (DGAP) flap for locoregional reconstruction. METHODS: Fifteen cadavers were arterially perfused with red latex and dissected. Thirty-one patients with extremity tissue defects were treated with a free DGAP flap, including six patients who received a chimeric flap. The minimum distance between the DGAP and the SV was measured during surgery. RESULTS: In all patients, the skin branch of the descending genicular artery was found in the medial femoral condyle plane in front of the SV. The average distance between the descending genicular artery perforator and the SV was 3.71 ± 0.38 cm (range: 2.9-4.3 cm). Thirty flaps survived completely, and one flap developed partial necrosis; however, this flap healed two weeks after skin grafting. The average follow-up time was 11.23 months. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that the SV can be preserved when harvesting the descending genicular artery perforator flap, causing less damage to the donor site and having no effect on flap survival. The free descending genicular artery perforator flap without the SV is a better therapy for complicated tissue defects.

Medial Femoral Trochlea Osteochondral Flap Reconstruction of the Previously Unsalvageable Kienbock-Associated Lunate With a Coronal Split.

PURPOSE: Patients with Kienbock disease can present with coronal fracture and collapse of the proximal lunate (Unified B2/Bain grade 1, 2B). Traditionally, this was considered unsalvageable. However, medial femoral trochlea (MFT) osteochondral reconstruction, used to recreate the proximal lunate surface, can be paired with reduction and repair of the coronal plane fracture, thus restoring midcarpal congruity. The purpose of this study was to report radiographic and clinical outcomes following lunate coronal fracture fixation at the time of MFT osteochondral reconstruction. METHODS: This was a retrospective study performed at a single institution. We identified patients with Kienbock disease who underwent MFT osteochondral reconstruction from 2014 to 2023. Patients were included if they had a coronal fracture of the lunate distal articular surface fixed at the time of surgery. Radiographic and clinical parameters were evaluated, including carpal height ratio, union rate, presence of heterotopic ossification, need for revision surgery, and patient-reported outcome measures. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients were included, with a mean age of 27.5 years (range: 15-41); 19 (58%) were women. Mean radiographic follow-up time was 5.8 months, and mean clinical follow-up time was 22.6 months. Union was achieved in 30/33 patients (91%). Carpal height ratio improved from 1.32 to 1.4. Two patients (6%) required reoperation, one for removal of heterotopic ossification and another for conversion to proximal row carpectomy. Patients demonstrated meaningful improvement in brief Michigan Hand Questionnaire and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information Upper Extremity scores. Range of motion before and after surgery was similar. CONCLUSIONS: Lunate coronal fracture fixation with MFT osteochondral reconstruction represents an additional management option in select patients with Kienbock disease. This technique restores the midcarpal joint during lunate reconstruction and may allow patients to avoid salvage procedures. Early radiographic and clinical outcomes are promising. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic IV.

Digital analysis of the human maxilla to enable semistandardized template tool reconstructions with free fibula transplants.

OBJECTIVES: This study analyzed the human maxilla to support the development of mean-value-based cutting guide systems for maxillary reconstruction, bridging the gap between freehand techniques and virtual surgical planning (VSP). MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective cohort study used routine CT scans. DICOM data enabled 3D modelling and the maxilla was divided into four regions: paranasal (R1), facial maxillary sinus wall (R2), zygomatic bone (R3) and alveolar process (R4). Surface comparisons were made with a reference skull. Statistical analyses assessed anatomical variations, focusing on mean distance (Dmean), area of valid distance (AVD), integrated distance (ID) and integrated absolute distance (IAD). The study addressed hemimaxillectomy defects for two-segmental reconstructions using seven defined bilateral points to determine segmental distances and angles. RESULTS: Data from 50 patients showed R2 as the most homogeneous and R4 as the most heterogeneous region. Significant age and gender differences were found in R3 and R4, with younger patients and females having more outliers. Cluster analysis indicated that males had R1 and R3 positioned anterior to the reference skull. The mean angle for segmental reconstruction was 131.24° ± 1.29°, with anterior segment length of 30.71 ± 0.57 mm and posterior length of 28.15 ± 0.86 mm. CONCLUSIONS: Anatomical analysis supported the development of semistandardized segmental resection approaches. Although gender and anatomical differences were noted, they did not significantly impact the feasibility of mean-value-based cutting-guide systems. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: This study provides essential anatomical data for creating cost-effective and efficient reconstruction options for maxillary defects, potentially improving surgical outcomes and expanding reconstructive possibilities beyond current techniques.

Fully Telemetric Robotic Microsurgery: Clinical Experience With 23 Cases.

BACKGROUND: Recently, there is an ongoing trend in plastic surgery with robotic-assisted microsurgery and supermicrosurgery devices being developed. Combining a telemetrically controlled robotic microscope with an also telemetrically controlled microsurgery robot unlocks synergistic effects with complete disconnection of the operating surgeon from the operating field. Here, we report the first clinical free flap reconstructions using this setup. METHODS: Twenty-three surgeries were performed with the combined remote approach using the Symani Surgical System and the RoboticScope in open microsurgery procedures. Anastomosis time and ischemia time were recorded. The surgical performance for anastomoses was assessed using the modified Structured Assessment of Microsurgical Skills (SAMS) score. Subjective satisfaction was evaluated by the surgeons in comparison with conventional microsurgery. To evaluate the learning curve, the senior authors first four (first group) and last four (last group) procedures were compared. RESULTS: Overall, flap survival was 95.7%. The average arterial anastomosis time was 36.7 ± 10.9 min. Total time of surgery was 277.7 ± 63.8 min, and ischemia time was 100.6 ± 24.9 min. Most SAMS score parameters were significantly higher in the last group of surgical procedures compared with the first operations. Subjective satisfaction was equal or better with the combined robotic-assisted approach in most categories. CONCLUSIONS: Our data demonstrates safety and feasibility of the use of a combined remote approach. Robotic systems for microsurgical procedures may hold promising potential for improvement of surgical quality and open up new frontiers in microsurgery.

Management of a complicated colonexposed sacrococcygeal wound after pelvic exenteration: a case report.

DECLARATION OF INTEREST: This work was supported by the Naval Medical University and the University of Shanghai for Science and Technology Joint Projects (2020-RZ04), the Innovative Clinical Research Program of Shanghai Changzheng Hospital (2020YLCYJ-Y16), and the academic project of Naval Medical University (2022QN073). The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

Use of pedicled flaps after oncologic resections in pediatric patients.

The aim of this study is to review the indications of pedicled flaps and analyze the results. A observational retrospective study of under 18-year-old oncology patients who required reconstructive surgery with pedicled flaps between 2011 and 2022 was performed. Demographic and clinical variables, indications, complications, and outcomes were collected. 236 patients were reviewed and 13 met inclusion criteria, eight girls and five boys (mean age: 10.6 years). Indications were Ewing's sarcoma (5), osteosarcoma (5), neuroblastoma, desmoid tumor, and neurofibroma. Preoperative PET-CT, MRI and bone scintigraphy were performed. The flaps were used on costal and extremity reconstruction: latissimus dorsi (5), pectoralis (2), medial gastrocnemius (2), combined latissimus dorsi, trapezius and serratus muscle, biceps femoris, fascio-neuro-cutaneous saphenous and cutaneous advancement-rotation. Two were performed on allograft and eight on prosthesis. All allowed immediate and complete closure. Six patients received intraoperative radiotherapy. One flap infection and two vascular complications were reported, a total necrosis, which required a new flap, and a partial necrosis, treated with a local plasty. Chemotherapy was resumed after 21 days (15-31). Mean follow-up time was 5.34 years. Flaps are an effective therapeutic option allowing reconstruction of large defects after pediatric oncologic surgeries. The most frequent complication was vascular.

Parents' experiences of sham feeding their child with esophageal atresia at home while awaiting reconstructive surgery. A qualitative interview study.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to explore parents' experience of sham feeding their baby born with esophageal atresia at home, waiting for reconstructive surgery. METHOD: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of six children born with esophageal atresia waiting for delayed reconstruction. The interviews were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS: Parents experienced that sham feed reinforced the healthy abilities in their baby. They had faith in their own ability as parents to care for their child as well as to see to their baby's strength to cope with difficulties. Parents expressed that the health care system can hinder as well as be a major support on their way to a more normal life at home while waiting for reconstructive surgery. CONCLUSION: The experience of sham feeding at home while waiting for reconstructive surgery is characterized by positive aspects both for children born with esophageal atresia and their parents.

Prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder, its clinical characteristics and psychiatric comorbidities in patients admitted to a plastic surgery outpatient clinic.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), its clinical features, and comorbidities in patients applying for plastic and reconstructive surgery. METHOD: Five-hundred and seventy nine participants who applied to the plastic and reconstructive surgery outpatient clinic completed a sociodemographic data form, and were subjected to the Body Perception Scale (seventy-nineBPS), Social Appearance Anxiety Scale (SAAS), TEMPS-A Temperament Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Participants who scored 135 or more on the BPS were included in a psychiatric interview. Next, the participants diagnosed with BDD were compared with participants with a high BPS scores but without a BDD diagnosis, along with a control group. RESULTS: The prevalence of BDD among all patients attending the plastic surgery outpatient clinic was found to be 4.7%, whereas the prevalence was 8.6% among those specifically seeking cosmetic procedures. The mean SAAS, BDI, TEMPS-A depressive, and anxious scores were higher in the BDD group compared to the controls (p < 0.001). The difference in the mean SAAS, BDI, TEMPS-A depressive, and anxious scores of the patients with a high BPS scores and the control group was comparable to the difference observed between the BDD and control groups. A regression analysis revealed that the SAAS and depressive temperament scores have an effect on the BPS score. CONCLUSION: The significantly high comorbidity of BDD in patients seeking plastic and reconstructive surgery underscores the importance of identifying these patients to prevent unnecessary surgical procedures.

Three-dimensional virtual reality-assisted surgical planning for neuronavigated sacrectomy of a chordoma: a technical note.

PURPOSE: Sacral chordomas are slow growing but locally aggressive tumours with a high rate of local recurrence if not completely removed. Surgical resection with negative margins represents the most important survival predictor but it can be challenging to accomplish. Thanks to improvements in intraoperative imaging and surgical techniques, en bloc resection through a partial sacral resection with wide surgical margins has become feasible but it comes with a significant morbidity rate. In this technical note we detail the virtual reality-assisted surgical planning used during resection. METHODS: A 70-year-old patient underwent en bloc resection of the tumor by an antero-posterior two-stage surgery approach. Pre-operatively, based on MR- and CT-imaging, virtual objects were designed, representing the tumour, the surrounding bone and the neurovascular structures. This 3D-model was used to plan the well delimited partial sacral resection and the posterior surgical approach. Intraoperatively the instruments were registered, allowing for a real-time visualization of the tumor, of the neurovascular structures, and for an optimal margin control resection. RESULTS: Postoperatively the patient was intact in the lower extremities, without any deficit up to S1 roots. An intentional middle-low sacral amputation of S2-S5 roots was necessary to have a wide resection with free margins. At follow-up, the patient did not present any lower extremities motor deficit with an improvement of sensory function on S1 dermatome. CONCLUSION: Three-dimensional virtual reality-assisted surgical planning for neuronavigated sacrectomy in chordoma is useful, feasible and safe. This technology can increase surgeon's chances to perform a larger margin-free resection decreasing the risk of neurovascular damage.